A Geometric Morphometric investigation of Neanderthal handaxes from four archaeological units.
This is the code for my Dissertation for the degree of MSc Archaeology (Bioarchaeology), exploring the possibility of regionalised Neanderthal cultures investigated through the statistical analysis of four different handaxe groups. Two of these are from offshore collections, providing insight into the identification of such material. (Further outline data etc. soon to be uploaded).
Handaxe_GMM.R is the main code for all handaxes used in this study, providing inter- and intra-site comparison. It can be found here. A240Walc_GMM.R is the code for a direct comparison of offshore material. All other code files are for individual site analyses.
The full dissertation investigates the possible presence of technological regionalism observable in Neanderthal handaxes and explains the findings through the lens of cultural theory, with the addition of various interdisciplinary lines of supporting evidence from wider contexts. The findings indicate localised knapping behavious or mental templates, possibly pertaining to small groups of hominins. These sit within a wider 'idealised shape', approached by these assemblages in unique ways. GMM analysis has also identified some interesting similarities between both of the offshore groups of material, which were dredged in the North Sea. It highlighted the presence of a morphological sub-group amongst a possible number of mixed-provenance handaxes; this has been corroborated by initial and independent observations from the Project Curator of one of these offshore sites.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or comments. I am happy to provide a copy of my dissertation upon request. (Available once marking is complete).
